dispatches from the new world of work

Chiding the Press (and Myself)

Did a few interviews with the Wisconsin press this morning, in preparation for a speech at the end of the month to the Wisconsin Innovation Network. We immediately fell into conversation about Madison's new biotech stars, Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, and the like. It was easy conversation—conversation that I can conduct while typing this Blogpost. Then I caught myself, and said, "But let's not forget the 'other 85 percent,' the largely ignored and under-reported ones working at body shops, spas, independent insurance agencies, 5-person accountancies, real estate brokerages, and the like. The productivity and excellence of these thousands of unsung players and their small passels of employees have more to do with the health and wealth of America and Wisconsin than, with all due respect, Harley."

It's a fact.

Tom Peters posted this on 03/06/06.

Comments

As an independent one person small firm I would echo your sentiments.

Today I sent a 'frustrated Trevor' e mail regarding an overdue payment for work done for the NHS. I am owed one thusand pounds which is nothing to the NHS but a lot to me!

Thought you might like it! As I have said before Am I Right? or Am I right? - I was very proud of para 3 - may make you smile!

Hi June

I have just spoken to someone on the number you gave me and they have said my bill is is on some sort of â€˜parked listâ€™ awaiting payment sometime!!

I really find it amazing that the NHS can treat small organisations in such a dismissive way. I still have no idea when the bill will be paid. It presumably waits until someone thinks it is about time it should be paid.

I think to myself; how would the Director of Finance feel personally if he or she were asked to wait for their monthly salary for over a month after they have completed their work and even then not be sure precisely when it might be paid!

I asked who I complain to and I have left a message on the voice mail of ......... who I was told to ring.

Please do not misunderstand - I am not getting at you at all but it seems crazy to me.

I do freelance work for many small organisations and get paid within a few days and at worst a week. The NHS seems to take an eternity to pay and the person doing the work just has to put up with it.

Yours in hope

Trevor

Posted by Trevor Gay at March 6, 2006 12:31 PM

Amen, Tom! Doubly so when you work not only in a small biz, but also in a small town or rural area.

Extrapolating the usual advice for big businesses down to your level when it's just you, or just a few of you, can be daunting. Tom & Co., you are one of the exceptions. The WOW! factor and the importance of design (and all your other mantras) are written for all of us, not just the Big Companies. Thank you!

Posted by Becky McCray at March 6, 2006 3:02 PM

Tom,

Being a Wisconsinite...Rhinelander to be exact, way up North....those are the types that make our world go round. It's an independent spirit that creates economies in this state, because while there's lots of money in the Milwaukee area, and Madison area, this is a very big state with lots of miles. And to the big cats in those two towns, we just provide a playground, but it's so much more to most of us. Thanks!

Brad Kowieski

Posted by Brad Kowieski at March 8, 2006 8:12 AM

Small Business (500 employees or less, as defined by the US federal govt.) produces 51% of US GDP, provides 75% of all new jobs, provides 39% of all high tech jobs, and represents 97% of all US exporters. The startup rate for women owned businesses outpaces men 2-to-1.

Hurray for small business.
Thank God for aggressive women.
Amen, Tom Peters!

Posted by Doug Smiley at March 18, 2006 3:37 PM